International students: PhD/doctoral study in the UK at the University of Brighton

FAQs: Brighton as a city and the University of Brighton as a place to study

Where is Brighton located in the UK?

Brighton is a vibrant and creative seaside city on the South-East coast of the United Kingdom.

By train, Brighton is only one hour away from London, 30 minutes away from London's Gatwick Airport and 90 minutes away from London's Heathrow Airport.

Being close to London and within easy reach of international transport, Brighton attracts visitors and students to a growing international population. The city is famously accepting of new people and different ways of living. Its progressive attitudes mean it has led the way in arts, creative technology, modern notions of sexuality and gender, as well as environmental and sustainable education and policy.

There are opportunities to build on your studies by getting involved in city as well as university life. We have campuses in the heart of Brighton, close to the seafront and on the outskirts near the South Downs National Park, all in a city that is in the top 10 most visited towns in the UK by overseas visitors.

Is Brighton a diverse place to study? 

Brighton is one of the liveliest and most diverse places in the UK to live and study.

According to Brighton and Hove Council,16 per cent of our population is born outside the UK. With a mix of cultures, nationalities and religions, you’ll soon feel at home here no matter what country or background you’re from.

It is an authentic student city, too. Around 500 PhD students study at the University of Brighton and a quarter are international students. The diversity of students has always been evident at the Summer Graduation Ceremonies with 83 countries recently represented among our 3,000 graduates from all levels. 

Inclusivity is one of our four core values at the University alongside sustainability, creativity, and partnership. 

The University of Brighton is committed to providing a fair environment that embodies and promotes equality of opportunity. We value the different contributions and experiences of all who make up our community, promoting mutual respect and understanding as well as freedom of thought and expression.

For more information visit our university page on Equality, diversity and inclusion.

What type of university is the University of Brighton?

The University of Brighton is a modern, forward-thinking university.

Our identity hinges on our belief in developing knowledge and sharing it in places where it can make a difference to other people’s lives.

Our oldest departments trace their history over 160 years, while we embrace the modern and progressive values of a contemporary and rapidly changing world. 

We foster world-leading research across traditional and more recently-established disciplines that include: health and medicine, computer science, engineering, geography and environmental studies, business and management studies, social studies, education, sport and exercise sciences, art, design and architecture, cultural and media studies. 

Ninety-eight per cent of our research was rated as world-leading, internationally excellent or internationally recognised in the most recent national research assessment (Research Excellence Framework, REF2021). 

The university's campuses are all convenient for the city. Outside of your studies, Brighton offers festivals, galleries, museums, street art, nightlife, sports facilities, and a huge range of independent shops, cafés and entertainment venues. 

Is PhD in UK better than US?

Research in any English language environment gives you an opportunity for maximum outreach and impact from your work.

There are some differences between the PhD offers from the different English-language-speaking countries. Each of them do however provide support for students’ research towards new knowledge and the production and defence of a thesis detailing the research.

Some special features of a doctorate in the UK:

• There are very few, if any, taught course elements in most UK PhD degrees
• Typically, the doctorate in the UK can be completed in three years as a full-time student
• In the UK, the student is a researcher right from the start and dedicates most of their time to their own research work and written thesis.

In the UK, doctoral students are usually supported by two or three expert supervisors from the start of their programme. Wider support is developed through PhD discussion groups and research communities.

Whichever option you choose, research in an English language environment will give you the fluent writing and spoken English skills that will take you a long way in your research career. 

How will I learn at doctorate level? What teaching, supervision and academic support will I get?

All our postgraduate research students are part of a dynamic, enthusiastic, and creative research community. From research plan to viva, our workshops and specialist staff guide doctoral students through the major milestones of their PhD.

You will have the support of two or three supervisors at the University of Brighton, who will help you to pursue your research passion. Our doctoral training programme and vibrant research environment will nurture and liberate your talent. 

If you need support with your academic English language, we offer developmental courses and one-to-one tutorials specifically for students at doctoral level. 

The teaching, learning environment and educational outcomes we provide for our students consistently exceed rigorous national requirements for all UK higher education providers.

To meet fellow students and the wider PhD community there are plenty of events organised by the university, the Doctoral College, your school and the research centres you belong to.

For further information on supervision and support, see our general FAQ page.

How will I build a relationship with my supervisor? This film was made by the University of Brighton for UKRI and features University of Brighton students and academics as well as those from other partner universities.

FAQs: PhD entry, funding, visas and language requirements 

What are the entry requirements for a PhD in the UK?

The application process requires documentation that demonstrates the suitability of you and your topic of study for a timely completion of the PhD programme.

These will include references and a research proposal as well as evidence of eligibility to study in the form of language level and relevant visa.

Find out more on our application pages

Is it possible to do a PhD after bachelor's degree in the UK?

The University of Brighton will consider applications from those without masters degrees but would normally expect an undergraduate degree with evidence of suitably high performance. A master's degree is considered stronger evidence that you are able to study at higher levels and that you have a strong theoretical background in your subject.

What are the English language requirements to study for a doctorate in the UK?

For subjects in medicine and laboratory sciences, including engineering, requirements are usually an IELTS score 6.5 overall, no component below 6.0.

For subjects with an extensive text-based research and writing element, a 7.0 overall, 7.0 for writing, with no component below 6.5 is required.

These are the overall requirements at the University of Brighton. Where there are any differences, the requirements for your area of research will be found on the relevant PhD Programme Page.

Will I need a visa to study for PhD in the UK?

How do I apply for a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number?

Once you have been made an unconditional offer, you will be able to complete a visa questionnaire. Our visa compliance team will review your eligibility and issue a CAS number, as appropriate.

More information is available on the university's general international pages.

Will I need to pay a deposit to progress with visa application?

If you are self-funded, we cannot issue you with a CAS until you have paid your tuition fee deposit. We would advise that you pay this as soon as possible so that you are able to make your visa application in plenty of time.

More information about the tuition fee deposit and how to pay the deposit is available on our confirmation of acceptance for studies page.

If you are a funded student, you will need to provide proof of your sponsorship before the tuition fee deposit can be waived.

See more information on visa applications

Will I need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) number for PhD study?

Depending on which country you are from, you may need to obtain an ATAS certificate every time you make a Student Visa application, if you are studying or going to study one of the following research degree programmes:

Pharmacy; Biomedical Sciences; Healthcare Professions; Physiotherapy; Occupational Therapy; Engineering; Environment; Civil Engineering: Built Environment; Computing; Mathematical and Information Sciences; or Information Technology.

PhD students should apply through the student route, not the researcher route.

Where an ATAS statement is required, the process of how to apply for this will be provided in your offer letter, so do read your offer letter carefully.

For details about the scheme and how to apply for your ATAS certificate, visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) information about ATAS.

Can I work in the UK during and after my PhD?

There are opportunities to undertake work in the UK while studying.

However, the full-time course and the nature of PhD study does not easily allow for work hours and this should not be seen as a means to fund your studies.

Teaching at the university, while possible, is not guaranteed and opportunities to teach would have to be discussed with your supervisor and relevant school leaders while undertaking the course. 

Working in the UK on a Student Visa as a PhD research student

It is likely that you will be able to work in the UK based on your Student Visa, although some types of employment are prohibited.

Where you are on a Student Visa, your eligibility to work will be outlined on your visa vignette or BRP card, and in your visa decision letter.

During your full-time PhD programme at the University of Brighton, you can work up to 20 hours per week in paid employment.

Working in the UK after graduation with a PhD research degree

• You can work unlimited hours once you have submitted your final thesis after corrections, but not in a permanent role.
• You are likely to be eligible for a Graduate Visa on completion of your studies and can work for a further three years.

How much does a doctorate cost in the UK for international students?

Tuition fees and other costs.

The tuition fees for each discipline are located on our Programme pages.

It is important to recognise possible costs beyond the tuition fees. Research can involve costs for, for example, travel to conference venues, archives or libraries; copyrighted imagery payments and so on. Fees are also likely to incur a small inflation rise each year of a research programme.

You will also need to fund normal living costs in the UK during your studies. 

Is there funding for PhD in the UK?

There are many opportunities for partial and complete funding of PhD studies in the UK, with funders offering stipends for living costs as well as tuition fees. There are also opportunities for ongoing funds to help aspects of a project such as travel for conference or library access.

Find out more advice on funding as well as our latest offers from the University of Brighton.

How do I apply for a PhD in the UK?

To apply for a PhD, you will need to provide a research proposal along with academic references and documentation to show that you are eligible for study in the UK.

We recommend you do this with the assistance and cooperation of a possible supervisor. When ready, your documents must be submitted through the application portal available from our Programme pages. 

For full information on the application process, see our Apply for your PhD page. 

Who can be my PhD referees?

You will need to ask two people to provide references for you. They should be able to detail your fitness for academic study and research. At least one of your referees should be from your most recent period of study.

You can provide your referees’ contact details as part of the application process and we will contact them on your behalf. Alternatively, you can approach your referees directly to provide a reference. All references should have been written within the last 12 months and need to be signed, dated and stamped with the organisation's stamp. 

Can I study part time for PhD in the UK?

Can you study for a PhD part-time as an international student?

The University of Brighton does not normally consider visa sponsorship for international students to undertake study wholly on a part-time basis.

However, where there are significant personal or other extenuating circumstances, visa sponsorship of postgraduate students wholly on a part-time basis will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Please contact the Doctoral College for further information.

Can you do a PhD by distance learning UK?

We do not offer enrolment specifically as a distance learning student and, usually, international students are expected to live within a commutable distance from the university. This brings a fuller experience with better chances of success.

However, if you’re a promising PhD candidate with home commitments and employment and would struggle to attend university full time in the UK for the whole period of study, we may be able to register you for a PhD and agree a mode of attendance. 

If you would like more information on studying for a PhD without fully relocating to the UK, please contact the Doctoral College for further guidance before applying.

I speak English / have studied in the UK: Do I still need to provide IELTS for PhD?

If you are from the UK, have studied in the UK within the last three years, or are from one of the countries approved by the UK Visa and Immigration Authority (UKVI), you may not need to provide results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT).

If your UK study was more than three years ago, or you are not from one of the UKVI listed countries, you will be required to provide further evidence of your English Language in the form of one of the accepted English tests for research study.

If you already have a SELT certificate, like IELTS for UKVI, please note that this is valid for two years from the test date. The results must be valid on your course start date.

What support do you offer students who are moving to the UK?

We know that moving to a new country can be daunting. That's why we offer our international students lots of support and advice, to help you settle in, gain new academic skills and get the most out of your time here.

Detailed help and guidance is available on our preparing for university page for students at all levels.

Accommodation for PhD students

The university has an accommodation service who can help you find somewhere to live. Once you have accepted your offer with us, we advise you to contact the accommodation service who will be happy to help you. You can contact them via accommodation@brighton.ac.uk

More information about living in Brighton and the surrounding areas can be found on the university's general accommodation and location pages

Registering with a doctor

We recommend that you register with a university doctor or local doctor as soon as possible when you arrive at university.

If you are not registered with a local doctor, you will have difficulty getting an appointment, and crucial time could be wasted in an emergency.

For more information, visit our register with a doctor page

Can my family move to the UK with me as a PhD student?

Yes, they can. For those studying for a PhD or other doctorate (RQF level 8) or a research-based higher degree, you are entitled to bring dependents with you to the UK.

Further information can be found on relevant government websites for student visas pertaining to families and children.